As the days become longer and sunnier in Minnesota, many people around the state will be increasing the amount of vitamin D they are exposed to. It can be challenging to know how much vitamin D is recommended for the general public. Jack Chalet in his article titled, “How Much Vitamin D Should You Take?” addresses this very issue. Poor vitamin D intake can cause a host of health issues such as heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, the common cold and influenza. Experts state there are a few ways to determine how much vitamin D you should be getting. One of the ways is to take a vitamin D test. The best test is called “25-hydroxy vitamin D”. 30 ng/mL is typically deemed an insufficient level but many doctors believe that level is acceptable. The optimal level is 40 ng/mL and even 50 ng/mL. People who participate in many outdoor activities like surfing or being a lifeguard can have levels at 70-90 ng/mL.
Summer is a great time to increase your vitamin D levels. Michael Howick suggests that people can about 10 minutes of sun (depending on what time of day it is, geographical location and pigmentation of skin) before applying sunscreen. Vitamin D will last longer when it’s obtained from the sun rather than when taken as a supplement or from food. If it is not summer and you are not receiving an adequate amount of sunlight, it may be helpful to supplement with vitamin D. Most professional recommend vitamin D3. The general guidelines for supplementation are 2,000-3,000 IU a day for adults. A higher amount of vitamin D may be beneficial for those with chronic illnesses like arthritis, lupus or fibromyalgia. As always, it is best to speak with a provider before beginning any new supplement. To find out more ways to stay healthy this summer, please visit our website at www.oxborochiro.com.
Source: https://experiencelife.com/article/how-much-vitamin-d-should-you-take/?utm_source=home2
